Former NFL coach Jon Gruden made a surprise appearance at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio, to endorse Trump’s favored Senate candidate, Jon Husted. Gruden cited his Ohio roots and a shared football history with Husted at the University of Dayton, praising Husted’s work ethic and urging early voting. He focused his remarks on Husted rather than on Trump, and his public image remains affected by leaked 2021 emails that led to his resignation from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jon Gruden Surprises at Trump Rally in Ohio, Endorses Jon Husted for Senate
Photo by Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images
Former NFL coach Jon Gruden made a surprise appearance at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio, as voters head into the 2026 midterm elections. Gruden returned to his home state to publicly endorse Trump’s preferred Senate candidate, Jon Husted, and to urge local supporters to turn out for early voting.
A Personal Endorsement
Speaking to a packed crowd, Gruden highlighted his Ohio roots and his personal connection to Husted, noting they played football together at the University of Dayton. He praised Husted’s work ethic, commitment and mental toughness, calling him the right choice for voters in the upcoming midterms.
"I just came back for one reason. I'm from Ohio. My mom and dad are from Cleveland. I was born in Sandusky, and I went to the University of Dayton and I'm damn proud of it, man!
Last thing I will say is – Jon Husted is a lot more than my friend. He was a great player. He intercepted 17 passes on the gridiron. It was because of his work ethic and his commitment, and his day-to-day mental toughness. He will never quit, ever!"
Get Out The Vote
Gruden urged attendees to get friends and family to vote early, reminding the crowd that early voting would begin that week. Most of his remarks focused on Husted’s record rather than on Donald Trump.
Context
Gruden largely avoided discussing his broader views on Trump at the event. He has generally kept political commentary private during much of his coaching career, though his public image was significantly affected by a 2021 episode. Gruden resigned from the Las Vegas Raiders after private emails containing offensive language and derogatory remarks about public figures were published. Those messages prompted significant criticism and contributed to his departure from the team.
The rally in Vandalia was part of broader campaigning ahead of the 2026 midterms, where control of the Senate remains a central focus for both parties.
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